5 Reasons to Visit Cody Yellowstone in 2024
2024 is shaping up to be a Wild year here in Cody Yellowstone, with plenty to see and do for adventurers of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, majestic wildlife viewing, authentic Western experiences, or one-of-a-kind attractions, Cody Yellowstone is the place for you. If you’re thinking about making your way to Northwest Wyoming this year for the vacation of a lifetime, here are five reasons to visit Cody Yellowstone in 2024, along with some unforgettable activities to add to your itinerary.
Incredible Wildlife Experience
Cody Yellowstone is a natural haven for wildlife enthusiasts. If you have your heart set on seeing some breathtaking animals in their natural habitat, you’re in luck! Most famously, Cody Yellowstone is home to the largest land mammal in North America, the mighty bison. But that’s not all! You’ll also have the chance to catch glimpses of deer, moose, mountain sheep, elk, grizzly bears, black bears, and so much more when you visit Cody Yellowstone. Of course, the wildlife in Cody Yellowstone is stunning, but the habitat itself is no slouch either! There’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife here set against the backdrop of Cody Yellowstone’s awe-inspiring valleys, mountains, lakes, and rivers. With Yellowstone National Park right in Cody Yellowstone’s backyard, you can easily access an abundance of wildlife and scenery, making this an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts alike!
The Ultimate Outdoor Recreation Destination
If you ask us, Cody Yellowstone puts the “great” in the great outdoors. After all, the town of Cody was founded by one of America’s great outdoorsmen, “Buffalo” Bill Cody — and this area was his personal playground. Today, Cody Yellowstone continues to be a hub for all sorts of outdoor adventures. From hiking through the breathtaking mountains to horseback riding on the most scenic trails, there’s a reason for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors here.
Hikes & trails
Cody Yellowstone beckons adventure enthusiasts with all kinds of trailblazing experiences, both on foot and on wheels, amidst picturesque landscapes. This destination is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering scenic hikes, strolls, and trails for hikers of all experience levels that showcase the region’s natural splendor. Many hiking trails are just minutes from Cody, and the options range from invigorating and challenging to leisurely and laid back. No matter your skill level, you’ll find a path to walk here in Cody Yellowstone. Explore local favorites such as the Bluebird Trail, a hidden gem just five miles from town, or challenge yourself on the Cedar Mountain Trail, rewarded with stunning summit views after a strenuous climb. For those favoring a smoother path without compromising views, the Prickly Pear Trail, a paved walk encircling two serene lakes, provides a delightful option. Let Cody Yellowstone be your gateway to fun-filled trailblazing adventures, inviting you to discover the wild wonders of the outdoors in a truly exceptional setting.
Scenic Byways
Here in Cody Yellowstone, we love a road trip. There’s nothing better than packing your bags, putting together the perfect playlist, and hitting the open road. Luckily, we have plenty of scenic byways here in Cody Yellowstone, featuring wildlife, astonishing rock formations, stunning landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here, many scenic driving routes highlight the region’s abundant natural beauty, like the Beartooth Highway, Bighorn Basin Loop, South Fork Loop, and East Yellowstone Loop. Whether you start your adventure in Cody, Powell, or Meeteetse, the vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and Wild West charm will remind you that sometimes, it’s more about the journey than the destination.
Camping
Adventures await in the mountains, rivers, lakes, and parks near Cody Yellowstone. And when it’s time to turn in for the evening, you’ll find all sorts of exceptional camping experiences in the region. Explore diverse options, from local campgrounds and RV parks to tent camping in the Shoshone National Forest or Yellowstone National Park. With easy access to camping, it’s easy to sleep under the stars here in Cody Yellowstone (without being too far from the amenities you love).
Trail rides
There’s no better place to embark on an authentic Western trail ride experience than Cody Yellowstone. With 14 dude and guest ranches offering trail rides or multi-day horse-packing trips, you can explore stunning landscapes spanning vast valleys or mountain ranges. These trail rides cater to all levels, accommodating both beginners and experienced riders for a genuinely unforgettable Western experience.
Fascinating History & Museums
Unsurprisingly, the region home to the legendary “Buffalo” Bill Cody and the Wild West is steeped in fascinating history. Here in Cody Yellowstone, immersing yourself in authentic Old West history, museums, and Western architecture is easy. Attractions like Old Trail Town, Buffalo Bill Centre of The West, and Pahaska Teepee bring Cody Yellowstone’s story to life in vivid detail. Simply put, history buffs will quickly find a lot to love about a trip to Cody Yellowstone.
Old Trail Town
Old Trail Town is one of the most fascinating attractions in Cody Yellowstone. Built on the original site for the town of Cody, Wyoming, Old Trail Town preserves the lifestyle and history of the Frontier West through an original collection of 28 Western buildings dating back to the 1800s, staged to recreate an authentic Old West Frontier. The immersive outdoor museum features saloons, including Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Cabin, thousands of artifacts, and reinterred graves of famous names from the bygone West, such as Jeremiah Johnston (more ominously known as “Liver Eater” Johnston).
Buffalo Bill Center of The West
For an overview of all things West, it’s best to go to the center of it all — literally! The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, stands as a cultural cornerstone within Cody Yellowstone, offering an unparalleled exploration of the region’s epic stories through its five family-friendly museums. Whether you are an art enthusiast drawn to the masterpieces in the Whitney Western Art Museum or a historian intrigued by the stories in the Buffalo Bill Museum, this world-renowned facility provides an unforgettable experience for all.
Buffalo Bill Dam
(Photo: @samlv702)
The Buffalo Bill Dam is an engineering marvel offering breathtaking views of the Shoshone River and the Big Horn Basin. But beyond that, it’s a testament to Buffalo Bill Cody’s foresight in water conservation. Completed in 1910, this historic landmark was once the tallest dam in the world and stands today as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Here, you can explore the interpretive areas at the Visitor Center, where exhibits, working models, videos, and native animal taxidermy provide insights into the dam’s construction and ongoing impact on the region’s agriculture. Just under eight miles west of Cody, the picturesque views and remarkable history of the Buffalo Bill Dam make it a must for your Cody Yellowstone must-do list.
Attractions for Everyone!
Cody Yellowstone may be small, but its attractions come in large quantities! From immersive experiences and Wild West flair to famous National Parks and footstompin’ music shows, there’s something fun for everyone here.
Yellowstone National Park
Cody Yellowstone is the Eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and the park’s East Gate entrance is just a short scenic drive away. The world’s first national park holds a special place in the hearts of many, and it’s easy to see why! Here, you’ll find over two million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls, panoramic vistas, and a remarkable diversity of mammals, birds, and fish. Iconic features like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs are just a few of its marvels, while an extensive network of trails totaling over 1,100 miles offers a haven for avid hikers. For many, Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list destination. For us, it’s our beautiful backyard that we can’t wait to share with guests.
Rodeo
There’s a reason Cody Yellowstone is known as the Rodeo Capital of The World! With rodeos every night, all summer long, it’s always a perfect time to get in on the action! There’s nothing like experiencing the lively Wild West action at the Cody Rodeo. Families have enjoyed this one-of-a-kind spectacle for generations — from the legendary Cody Stampede to the longest-running rodeo in the world, the Cody Nite Rodeo (a summer favorite since 1938).
Cody Yellowstone rodeos offer visitors a chance to witness thrilling bull riding, bronc busting, and barrel racing. These amazing events are at the heart of what makes Cody Yellowstone such a unique and vibrant Western experience.
Cody Cattle Company
If you can’t get enough of the cowboy lifestyle, you won’t want to miss the Cody Cattle Company’s all-you-can-eat chuckwagon dinner and live western music show. Here, good times and even better tunes will transport you straight to the Old West, paired with Western culinary classics like beef brisket, baked beans, cornbread, and their famous chocolate brownies.
Unique Shopping Experience
Cody Yellowstone is a hub destination for shopping, offering everything from antiques, clothing, sporting equipment, and Western gear to unique accessories. Explore popular local shops like Wyoming Buffalo Company, Wayne’s Boot Shop, and Cowtown Candy Company. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or somebody special, you’re sure to find the perfect keepsake unique to Cody Yellowstone that you can bring back home with you.
With endless things to see & do, Cody Yellowstone is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Start planning with our free vacation guide and make 2024 the best year yet.
